Airi Suzuki to Perform Iconic Buono! Hit 'Hatsukoi Cider' Solo on THE FIRST TAKE, Igniting Fan Excitement

The YouTube channel “THE FIRST TAKE,” known for its one-shot performance videos by artists, has announced that singer Airi Suzuki will appear solo to perform “Hatsukoi Cider,” a beloved hit song from her former unit Buono! (Bor-no!). This news has sparked a significant reaction across social media.

Scheduled for a YouTube Premiere on January 23, 2026, at 10 PM JST, Episode 633 will feature her billed as “Airi Suzuki (from Buono!).” This specific “from Buono!” notation has brought immense joy to former fans, with comments like “The credit is so moving!” and “It’s the original!” “Hatsukoi Cider” is a signature song of Buono!, a unit from Hello! Project composed of Momoko Tsugunaga, Miyabi Natsuyaki, and Airi Suzuki, and has been cherished by many fans over the years.

Immediately following the announcement, X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with eager comments such as “It had to be Hatsukoi Cider!”, “Finally, the original! So excited and looking forward to it,” and “This is the Hatsukoi Cider that all Hello! Project fans adore!” Enthusiastic support for the project was evident, with fans exclaiming, “Who is the god who suggested Hatsukoi Cider for THE FIRST TAKE?” and “This is just too epic.” Many fans are eagerly “waiting” and saying “must watch” for the upcoming broadcast.

On the other hand, since Buono! was a three-member unit, some voices expressed a degree of regret regarding Airi Suzuki’s solo performance, asking, “Couldn’t Miyabi have been there too...?” and “It feels complicated with Airi alone.” However, many fans also showed deep trust and understanding for Airi Suzuki, stating, “I have faith that Airi herself has thought most deeply about and grappled with the decision to sing Hatsukoi Cider alone,” and “I believe she cherishes the fact that Buono! was a trio more than anyone.” Attention is keenly focused on how she will approach this classic song.

“Hatsukoi Cider,” epitomized by lyrics like “I want to leap over that boundary between friends right now,” continues to be a timeless classic supported by a wide audience, years after its release. With attention also drawn to Shihori, the composer of the track, expectations are soaring for Airi Suzuki’s solo performance and hopes that this opportunity might lead to further appearances on music programs, as the 10 PM premiere approaches.

The context

THE FIRST TAKE: A highly popular Japanese YouTube channel where artists perform a single song in a single take, often in a stripped-down or acoustic arrangement. It's celebrated for its focus on raw vocal talent and high-quality production, providing an intimate look at an artist's performance.

Buono!: A Japanese idol unit formed in 2007 as part of Hello! Project, initially to sing theme songs for the anime “Shugo Chara!” It comprised Momoko Tsugunaga, Miyabi Natsuyaki, and Airi Suzuki. Known for their distinct rock-influenced sound, Buono! garnered a significant and dedicated fanbase before their disbandment in 2017.

Hatsukoi Cider (First Love Cider): Released in 2012, this is one of Buono!’s most iconic and beloved songs. It is celebrated for its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics about youthful first love, and energetic feel, maintaining its popularity among J-Pop and Hello! Project fans for over a decade.

Airi Suzuki: A prominent Japanese singer, model, and actress. She gained fame as a member of Hello! Project groups like ℃-ute and Buono!. After her groups disbanded, she successfully launched a solo career. Her appearance on THE FIRST TAKE is a major event for her long-time fans, offering a platform to showcase her vocal prowess on a cherished song from her past unit.

Hello! Project: A long-running Japanese idol collective managed by Up-Front Group, founded and largely produced by Tsunku♂. It encompasses numerous female idol groups and solo artists, with Buono! being one of its successful sub-units.